Development and psychometric validation of the Thai AI Literacy Scale for Nursing Students in Thailand: a methodological study

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop and validate the Thai AI Literacy Scale for Nursing Students (TAILS-NS). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted across multiple nursing institutions in Thailand from March to May 2026 to address the absence of a validated artificial intelligence (AI) literacy instrument for nursing students in Thai or Southeast Asian contexts. A total of 410 nursing students participated, yielding a response rate of 94.5%. The TAILS-NS was developed through item generation, expert content-validity assessment using the item-objective congruence index, and a 2-phase pilot study, resulting in a 40-item instrument comprising a 15-item knowledge test and 25 Likert-scale items across 6 domains. Exploratory factor analysis using maximum likelihood estimation and confirmatory factor analysis using the weighted least squares mean and variance-adjusted estimator, as well as internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity, were assessed. An independent validation sample (n=157) was recruited for cross-validation confirmatory factor analysis. Raw data are available as a supplement. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis supported a 6-factor structure: AI awareness, skills, ethics and professionalism, positive attitude, AI anxiety, and readiness. Confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable model fit, although the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) indicated marginal fit (comparative fit index [CFI]=0.919, Tucker-Lewis index [TLI]=0.906, RMSEA=0.090). Reliability of the knowledge subscale was acceptable (Kuder-Richardson Formula 20=0.758). Internal consistency was excellent (α=0.810-0.934; total α=0.974; ω=0.989). Average variance extracted exceeded 0.50 for all factors, supporting convergent validity. Most heterotrait-monotrait ratios were below 0.90, supporting discriminant validity. Cross-validation confirmed factorial replicability (CFI=0.917, TLI=0.904). CONCLUSION: The TAILS-NS provides evidence of validity and reliability for measuring AI literacy among Thai nursing students and may serve as a standardized tool for curriculum evaluation. Future studies should expand the AI anxiety subscale and explore cross-cultural applicability in Southeast Asian nursing contexts.